The crown of
Thar Desert was founded by Rao Bika in 1488 AD. It has a blend of modernity
and old culture, a royal culture emanating from chivalry, tradition and
faith.

Celebrations are a way of
life in Bikaner as seen in its colorful festivities. The exotic Desert
City throbs to life when the Ship of desert majestically move in processions
swaying music. Bikaner has retained its medieval aura, and traditional
life style unruffled by modernity.

Realising that a struggle
for his paternal inheritance was unlikely to bear fruit, prince Bikaji,
the son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur, decided to chart out his own destiny.

He assembled a strong force
of young worriors which proved to be powerful in the hazardous desert.
At Deshnoke he sought the blessings of Karni Mata, a mystic. She blessed
him and prephesied victory and thus Bikaji defeated his opponents and founded
the city of Bikaner in 1488. Desert city Bikaner stands on a slight eminence
and has fascinating royal monuments, temples, havelies and colorful bazaars.